Welcome to Afrikaya

In 2007 the charity Afrikaya was formed. Why? To build a nursery school for children who struggled to access education in The Gambia. The intention is to help the New Yundum community to take more control of their lives and eventually end their poverty through education.

Many of you help us to reach our goals through sponsorship, supporting our events and organising your own events in aid of Afrikaya. But whatever your support or interest, past, present or future, from the children of The Gambia, the community in New Yundum, and from us [the trustees], a heartfelt THANK YOU.

Other than our ongoing commitment to pay staff wages and increase child sponsorship, our priority for fundraising during 2019 is to raise funds for the fixtures and fittings for the new building which will house a community center and adult skills center. The ground floor is in operation and first floor of the new building has been finished. We received generous donations and raised money, through sheer hard work and events, to put on a roof and create the ceiling. This first floor will enable the school to become self-financing. Outside school hours, the community room will be available for hire and will also be used to show football videos – a real money-spinner in The Gambia. We need to buy and have fitted: doors, windows, burglar proofing, toilets, sinks. Also we need to buy loads of paint! A donation, however small, towards this will be much appreciated. Donate here.

Land on which to build the school was purchased in September 2010. Whilst viewing the newly purchased land with the members of the local community, Geoff asked the name of the tree on the land. Immediately, Malang, the artist, responded:

“It is now named after the man who gave you fire (inspiration), Kebba. It is a reminder of him always with his strong roots”.

A symbol of STRENGTH, GROWTH and LIFE – a truly fitting tribute to his memory.

The Kebba tree is flanked on either side by 2 classrooms. The paved area underneath the Kebba tree is used as an outside classroom and assembly area. A fifth classroom for pre-nursery children is near the dining area.